Former President Pranab Mukherjee Dies at 84

Former president Pranab Mukherjee died on Aug 31 in an army hospital, his son Abhijit informed. He was 84. Mukherjee was admitted to hospital on August 10 and a health bulletin this morning said he was in a deep coma and on ventilator support.

“With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away in spite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital and prayers duas and prarthanas from people throughout India! I thank all of You Folded hands,” his son Abhijit Mukherjee tweeted.

Expressing grief over former president Pranab Mukherjee’s demise, President Ram Nath Kovind stated that, “Sad to hear that former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee is no more. His demise is passing of an era. A colossus in public life, he served Mother India with the spirit of a sage. The nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. Condolences to his family, friends & all citizens”.

The president, “Endowed with perspicacity and wisdom, Bharat Ratna Shri Mukherjee combined tradition and modernity. In his 5 decade long illustrious public life, he remained rooted to the ground irrespective of the exalted offices he held. He endeared himself to people across political spectrum”. As the First Citizen, he continued to connect with everyone, bringing Rashtrapati Bhavan closer to the people. He opened its gates for public visit. His decision to discontinue the use of the honorific ‘His Excellency’ was historic, He added.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described him as a scholar par excellence and a towering statesman who was admired across the political spectrum. HE said Mukherjee has left an indelible mark on the nation”s development trajectory.

In a series of tweets, the prime minister said Mukherjee in his decades-long political journey made long-lasting contributions in key economic and strategic ministries and that he was an outstanding parliamentarian, always well-prepared, extremely articulate as well as witty.

The prime minister recalled that Mukherjee, as the then President when he became prime minister for the first time, always supported and guided him. “I was new to Delhi in 2014. From Day 1, I was blessed to have the guidance, support and blessings of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. I will always cherish my interactions with him. Condolences to his family, friends, admirers and supporters across India. Om Shanti,” He added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday expressed deep anguish over the passing away of former President Pranab Mukherjee, saying his demise has left a huge void in the Indian polity. The home minister said Mukherjee”s life will always be cherished for his impeccable service and indelible contribution to the motherland.

“Deeply anguished on the passing away of former President of India, Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji. He was a vastly experienced leader who served the nation with utmost devotion. Pranab da”s distinguished career is a matter of great pride for the entire country,” He tweeted.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday condoled the death of former president Pranab Mukherjee and paid homage to him. “With great sadness, the nation receives the news of the unfortunate demise of our former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee,” Gandhi said on Twitter. “I join the country in paying homage to him. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends,” he added.

The former president was admitted to the hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10 and was operated the same day for removal of a clot in his brain. He later developed a lung infection. Mukherjee was the 13th president of India from 2012 to 2017.

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